Joint Efforts and Strategies Triumph as Rhino Poaching Declines in South Africa

South Africa has seen a remarkable decrease in rhino poaching during the first half of 2023, with an 11% decline in rhino killings. This notable trend shift is seen from Kruger National Park to provincial and private reserves.

Poaching Statistics

Between January and June 2023, rhino poaching caused the death of 231 rhinos. Among them, 42 were poached in Kruger National Park, 143 in KwaZulu-Natal Province, 46 in privately-owned nature reserves, and 143 in provincially owned reserves.

Tackling Rhino Poaching

Rhino poaching is a complex challenge that requires collaboration between law enforcement agencies such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), and the Green Scorpions, Customs officials, Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking

In May 2023, the Cabinet approved the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (NISCWT) to strengthen collaboration between agencies and break the illicit value chain of wildlife trafficking in South Africa. This strategy primarily focuses on rhinos and also covers the illegal trade and poaching of other endangered species such as abalone.

Conviction of Offenders

During the first six months of 2023, the SAPS and the NPA convicted 31 offenders for wildlife crimes. Most offenders received custodial sentences of up to 34 years for killing rhinos and possessing unlawful firearms and ammunition.

Role of Rangers

Rangers play a crucial role in the prosecution and sentencing of wildlife crime offenders arrested in Kruger National Park. Collaboration exists between the SAPS forensic teams and SANParks Environmental Crime Investigation (ECI) when attending crime scenes to ensure the collection of critical evidence linking suspects to crime scenes.

Measures to Combat Rhino Poaching

The Hluhluwe/iMfolozi game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal is a persistent target for rhino poachers. Several measures have been implemented to combat poaching, including the establishment of a Tactical Operations Joint Control Centre, which facilitates SAPS deployments to Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Park (HiP). The Department provided R40 million for the repair and replacement of the boundary fence around the reserve.

Holistic Ranger Services – Integrity Management Plan

The Kruger National Park has developed a holistic Ranger Services – Integrity Management Plan in response to studies revealing collusion between ranger services and criminal syndicates. The plan improves ranger morale and resilience to corruption by providing services that enhance ranger health and well-being, training, counseling, and financial management services. It also includes specialized Financial Literacy Training for field rangers and the establishment of an Integrity Testing System (a Polygraph policy) for new recruits and to support anti-corruption investigations.

Community Involvement

South Africa’s national parks are surrounded by vulnerable communities, and to ensure that these communities benefit from tourism and help keep tourists safe, SANParks has held numerous stakeholder engagements with entrepreneurs regarding the provision of goods and services to national parks. Additionally, through Working for Water, Ecosystems, and Wetlands programs, 33,222 work opportunities have been created for communities living on the fringes of national parks.

With joint efforts and strategic initiatives in place, South Africa is making strides towards securing the future of its rhinoceros population and other endangered species. The country is preserving its rich biodiversity and national heritage.